NSBC will serve as a Launching Congregation for the Young Adult Initiative, sponsored by Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary’s Innovation Hub. The purpose of the Initiative is to develop new ministries aimed at adults between 18 and 35. During the spring, Sam Hartman-Pickerill and Pastor Kathryn will participate in a “Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young Adults” course, in which we will be guided through a process to design new young adult ministries. In July, we will be eligible to receive a grant from the Lilly Endowment to fund a new ministry initiative. Over the next two years, we will then participate in a monthly peer coaching group to support that ministry initiative.

To begin this process, we are conducting an all-church survey. The purpose of the survey is learn more about the passions, visions, and frustrations of our church participants. This will help us identify the strengths and resources we have for new ministries, as well as existing obstacles. This information will help us not only develop new ministries, but also achieve deeper understanding of our existing programs and relationships.